Support Nanda Siddhardha's Education at Columbia

Help Fulfill the Dream of a Visionary’s Son — Support Nanda Siddhardha’s Education at Columbia University By Neeraja Pathri, with C. Anand Kumar MD, Pyramid Meditation Channel (PMC)

Over the past five months, I’ve been traveling across India, meeting meditators and immersing myself in the powerful current of the Pyramid Spiritual Societies Movement. In every circle of seekers, one name consistently echoed with reverence, love, and gratitude: Nanda Prasad Rao Garu.

Whether he was serving as the personal secretary to Brahmarshi Pitamaha Patriji, or as first Managing Director of Pyramid Meditation Channel (PMC), organizing meditation retreats, offering deep spiritual insights, or simply being a quiet pillar of strength and service - Nanda Sir was the invisible thread that held so much together. Though he left his body in 2021, people still speak of him as if he’s just around the corner. They watch his videos. They quote his words. They carry his energy.

To truly understand the depth of Nanda Sir’s service and spirit, we invite you to listen to Patriji himself speak about him. Watch on YouTube

And through this journey, I’ve come to understand the magnitude of his legacy, one built not on power or position, but on unwavering service, unconditional love, and spiritual discipline.

This fundraiser was inspired by a heartfelt request from C. Anand Kumar, the current Managing Director of the Pyramid Meditation Channel (PMC), whom many in the community lovingly know as Anand Buddha. A close associate of Nanda Sir, Anand Ji feels a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the family of a man who gave everything to the PSSM movement.

Today, we invite you to help fulfill Nanda Sir’s living legacy by supporting his son, Siddhardha, as he steps into a future of purpose and service.

Why This Matters:

This is more than a charity appeal-it’s an opportunity to invest in a young visionary, a compassionate engineer, and a son carrying forward a legacy of sincerity, service, and integrity. Siddhardha has already proven his merit. His admission offers speak volumes:

In the world of Biomedical Engineering, these aren’t just names-they’re the best of the best. That Siddhardha was accepted into all of them is a testament to his dedication, talent, and clarity of purpose. (LinkedIn Post)

Please read Siddhardha’s own words below, and if his journey moves you, join us in helping him carry forward his father's light.

Hello & Namaste ! My name is Nanda Siddhardha, and I’m a final-year Electronics and Communication Engineering student at GITAM University, India. I’m deeply honored to share that I’ve been admitted to Columbia University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, for a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering (Fall 2025).

This opportunity represents not just a personal milestone, but a mission to contribute meaningfully to global healthcare, especially for underserved communities.

Why Biomedical Engineering?

My journey into this field began with a simple yet profound question:

“How can we make healthcare smarter, more accessible, and life-saving for those who can’t afford it?”

This purpose became even more personal after the untimely loss of my father, Mr. Nanda Prasada Rao, in 2021. He was a man of deep vision and strength, and his life was a lesson in service. His dreams for me were never about success-they were always about impact.

️ My Contributions:

* Created low-cost IoT-based patient monitoring systems

* Developed AI models for early disease detection

* Designed open-source biomedical devices to serve underfunded regions

* Authored 100+ technical articles and academic publications

* Collaborated with organizations like DRDO, UiPath, and Emertxe

This path is more than a career for me - it is my life’s calling.

Achievements So Far:

Overcame personal hardships (loss of father in 2021) and managed to support education through scholarships and grit.

First-generation Ivy admit, carrying forward a legacy dream with integrity, humility, and ambition.

Financial Need:

The total cost of attending Columbia for two years is approximately ₹1.3–₹1.5 crore ($160,000–$180,000), including tuition, living expenses, and academic resources.

What’s Already Arranged:

* ✅ ₹50 lakh from family savings

* ✅ ₹40 lakh through an education loan

* ❌ Still need: ₹40–₹60 lakh ($50,000–$70,000)

I’ve applied to scholarships (including Columbia’s Shardashish Fellowship), reached out to government bodies, and contacted numerous organizations. While I remain hopeful, no confirmed funding has come through yet.

A Heartfelt Promise from Siddhardha:

This isn’t just a financial request, it’s an invitation to become part of a much larger story. One of transformation, resilience, and responsibility.

I carry my father’s dreams, my country’s hopes, and hopefully your faith in me. With your help, I will pay this forward, supporting others in their journeys as I grow.

Contact & Social

You can learn more about my background and work here: LinkedIn | ResearchGate | Medium

Thank you for reading. Thank you for believing. Let’s join hands - for Siddhardha, for Nanda Sir and for the positive impact they continue to share with the world.

With love and gratitude,

Neeraja Pathri

with C. Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Pyramid Meditation Channel (PMC)